"Turkey's changing role" evalated by Zogby
YAYINLAMA
GÜNCELLEME
Dr. James Zogby, founder and president of the Arab-American Institute, wrote in an article entitled "Turkey’s Changing Role" that now the US has realized the extent to which Turkey plays a critical role in its region. "The U.S. now appears to be deferring to Turkey as an invaluable ally in handling the Syria file for one important reason. As a result of its demonstrated support for Palestinians, Turkey has earned "street cred" in the Arab World, while the U.S. has none. Turkey can meet with the Arab League as a partner, the U.S. cannot, and Turkey can house and endorse the Syrian opposition in a way that the U.S. cannot. But several cautionary notes are in order. Turkey cannot overplay its hand in Syria. It is neither the ‘leader of the Arabs,’ nor does it, I believe, intend to play that role. It is true, as our recent polling demonstrates that Turkey's standing is quite high across the Arab region. But that is not an invitation for Turkey to reassert a new ‘Ottomanism.’ In fact, our polls also suggest that Turkey may be but a ‘placeholder.’ When Arabs are asked who is currently playing a leadership role, they respond ‘Turkey.’ But when asked who they want to lead, Arabs say ‘Egypt.’ Turkey is respected, but as a regional partner, not as an Arab leader," wrote Zogby. The article added, "Relations between Turkey and the United States have changed in response to dramatic changes occurring in the Arab world. But even with these changes, some constants remain. And primary among these are the dangers associated with the region's limited tolerance for foreign intervention."